Contemporary pop artist, Kristin Carter, has just released her debut album “Full Bloom” today (April 5th) across all digital streaming platforms! And to celebrate, we’ve teamed up with her to give our readers an exclusive behind the scenes look.
In keeping with her unwavering artistic dedication to bringing “Full Bloom” to life, Carter co-produced the album with longtime collaborator Marcus Ramsay. Carter is also a writer on each track, with other notable co-writers like Ramsay, Steve Mitchell, Emma-Lee, and Luke Collins.
The album release of “Full Bloom” follows two lead-in singles, “I’m Still Here” and “Euphoria”, and marks a defining milestone in Carter’s artistic evolution. After an initial breakthrough in country music that included the Top 20 Canadian radio single “Karma” and back-to-back semi-finalist placements in SiriusXM’s Top of the Country competition, she followed her muse towards a reimagined sound that lies in the broader spectrum of contemporary pop but eschews conventional genre expectations and finds its purpose through passionate storytelling and eclectic musical influences.
Check out Behind the Album with Kristin Carter below:
“Full Bloom” is my debut contemporary pop album – it’s a twelve-song sonic journal that chronicles my curiosity, exploration, and growth. It was all recorded in British Columbia, and produced by myself and Marcus Ramsay.
Since we continually evolve in life, I chose to craft the album as a musical garden that holds the many different shades, layers, and expressions of my journey. Within it are flowers – the songs that reflect the unique individual moments that form a collective human experience. It is an authentic reflection of all the highs and lows that make up a life. All are necessary – because a garden with only one type of flower wouldn’t be a garden at all.
“Euphoria”:
“Euphoria” was written based on a chorus idea I had and brought to Steve Mitchell. Steve is a killer writer and so fun to work with. This one fell together really naturally and is one of my favourite songs to perform. It’s upbeat, confident and elated. The theme is exploring new love with confidence, pleasure and excitement.
“Break”
“Break” was written during a vulnerable and honest conversation with the incredibly talented writer Emma-Lee. It’s about the breaking point of the soul; a ballad dedicated to the last stand against self-doubt and anxiety. It’s an honest confession about the pressure we put on ourselves.
“The Waltz”
A whimsical and somewhat dark look behind the curtain; it’s a commentary on the difficult conversations we struggle to have. I wrote this to try and process privilege and society. The theme of the song asks: How do we tone down the defences, put in the work and really talk about this for what it is?
“Kintsugi”
A simple acoustic song that highlights the complex and confusing reality that expects women to absorb, repair, and strengthen themselves, rather than demand change from those inflicting the damage. It’s the heaviest song on the album and was certainly the most challenging to write. The production is light and pleasant to juxtapose the intensity of the lyrics.
“Hey Woman!”
An upbeat ode to a friend; this song is a celebration of companionship through the eyes of the person who knows you, and sees you, the best. Dedicated to my best friend, and best friends everywhere, this song unapologetically honours women and their compassion and admiration for one another.
“Love You Forever”
An acoustic homage to the simple, quiet, and seemingly mundane moments that are reserved for those we love the most. When I think of my fiancé, I immediately think of the time we share together in the morning before work, sipping coffee together. A lot of people share in our big moments, but it’s an incredibly precious thing to be invited to share in someone’s small ones. It’s light and heartfelt in its production, like a morning sunrise.
“Alive”
“Alive” was written with Marcus Ramsay and another co-writer Luke Collins. It’s about a yearning for a genuine life; the desire to break free from monotony, seek meaningful experiences, and find a sense of vitality. The production is dreamy and floating. I love listening to this one in the car.
“Lazy Sunday”
“Lazy Sunday” was born out of a small instrumental loop that Marcus Ramsay sent to me. I wrote the first verse and chorus and sent it back to him and we were both really excited about where it was going. It’s a playful commentary on the tranquility and anxiety of a Sunday morning; enjoying slow-paced indulgences, all while knowing that the world starts again tomorrow morning.
“I’m the One”
A poignant commitment to unrequited love; the understanding and selflessness it takes to accept when the one you want the most doesn’t want you. The has one of my favourite chorus productions on the album; it soars with guitars and backing vocals. Best for a walk on a sunny day.
“Your Side of the Blue”
“Your Side of the Blue” was inspired by a conversation I had with a friend of mine who had recently lost someone very close to them. When I asked how she was, she told me “I just want to talk about them all the time”. Those became the first lyrics. This song is an ode to her and others who are processing grief. It centres around the universal humble optimism surrounding someone’s passing that there will be a moment to connect again.
“I’m Still Here”
Originally there were plans for this to be produced with a more conventional instrumental backing the vocal, however after we had recorded that, we noted that there were some problems with the recordings that made them unusable. I sent an all-vocal example of where I wanted to take the production to Marcus, and we liked it so much that we built the final version entirely by vocals. It’s like a sound bath; an anthem of resilience and rising above adversity, only to emerge stronger and more enduring than ever.
“Good People Good Wine”
“Good People Good Wine” is a grateful reflection on what makes life feel full; pursuing one’s passions but never losing sight of what makes success feel satisfying: relationships and connection. I am lucky in my life to have such amazing friends, and they make me feel happier than any ‘success’ ever has. The production for this one is classic and simplistic. It ends the album with a chorus of voices.
Thank you to Live in Limbo!
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